Maryland Math 5.NOS.D.16.b
The Standard
- 5.NOS.D.16
- Apply and extend previous understandings of division to divide unit fractions by whole numbers and whole numbers by unit fractions in context.
Use visual fraction models and equations to interpret division of a unit fraction by a non-zero whole number and compute quotients.
Maryland College and Career Ready Standards for Mathematics (2025) · APPLY AND EXTEND PREVIOUS UNDERSTANDINGS OF MULTIPLICATION AND DIVISION TO MULTIPLY AND DIVIDE FRACTIONS.
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students use a drawing to split a unit fraction into equal shares. They write a division equation and find the size of one share as a fraction of the whole.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Given 1/2 ÷ 3, a student divides half of a bar into three equal parts and names each part as 1/6 of the whole. They write 1/2 ÷ 3 = 1/6 and check that three sixths make one half.
Common Misconceptions
- Some students divide the whole bar into three parts and answer 1/3, instead of dividing the half into three parts. Others think dividing by 3 makes 1/2 larger and answer 3/2.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Draw a bar to show 1/3 ÷ 4. Label one share and write the division equation with its answer.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give students paper strips marked in thirds, then have them fold one third into four equal shares and label each share.
Ask: Why is 1/4 ÷ 2 equal to 1/8, not 2/4? Have students explain with a drawing.
Give pairs cards showing unit fractions and whole-number divisors; partners draw bars, write equations, and check each other's answers.
Share 1/4 cup of rice equally between two bowls; students measure each share and record 1/4 ÷ 2 = 1/8.
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Printable 5.NOS.D.16.b Worksheet
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Related Standards
- 4.NOS.E.13.d
Solve problems in context involving multiplication of a fraction by a whole number, using visual fraction models and equations to represent the problem.
- 5.NOS.D.16.c
Use visual fraction models and equations to interpret division of a whole number by a unit fraction and compute quotients.
- 5.NOS.D.16.d
Represent and explain the computation by connecting visual fraction models and/or equations to the meaning of division with unit fractions.
- 6.NOS.A.1.c
Represent and explain the calculation by connecting fraction models, and/or equations to the meaning of division.
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